The aim of the study is to create a new integrated public transport hub with better links between the city’s airport, Birmingham Interchange HS2 station and the National Exhibition Centre. Current modes of transport used by commuters include mainline rail, local and intercity bus routes, cars, taxis and an automatic people mover connecting to Birmingham Airport. Future modes include the extension of the Midland Metro tram network, up to six bus-based rapid transit routes and an automatic people mover connecting the Birmingham Interchange HS2 station to Birmingham Airport.
Mott MacDonald, in partnership with architect Grimshaw, will deliver outline scheme design, strategic advice, stakeholder engagement, risk management, architecture, engineering and cost estimating services. The consultants will also offer planning advice, transport modelling, business case development, funding and financing advice and environmental appraisals. In addition to creating an efficient transport interchange, the study will look to integrate the transport hub with the emerging masterplans at Birmingham Airport and National Exhibition Centre.
Mott MacDonald project director Kevin Riley said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this landmark project that will improve critical transport links in the region and help capture inward investment as a result of HS2. This study will provide an exciting opportunity to bring together a host of our multidisciplinary skills from across a number of our offices.”
Mott MacDonald’s commission is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2017. It is planned that the transport hub will be open before the proposed HS2 Birmingham Interchange Station becomes operational in 2026.
The West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority and Solihull council have been awarded a 50% funding contribution towards the €1.75m study from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, with the other half coming from private and public sector partners.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
